Christmas in Woodward OK

December 27, 2010


Dear Family and Friends,

I had a wonderful week and weekend. It's amazing how being close to the Lord and following very strict rules actually allows for a ridiculous amount of fun.

Friday we had a lovely District Meeting. We talked about inviting people to come unto Christ and the importance of not shying away from teaching people about the commandments the Lord has given us, because, of course, following them leads to happier lives. Then we watched Special Witnesses of Christ which is a wonderful video of the Apostles and the First Presidency giving their testimonies of Christ, his birth, life, and ministry and it was filmed in many different locations, at the Jerusalem Center, Gethsemane, the Nauvoo temple cite (it was filmed before it was rebuilt), etc. It was a wonderful way to start off the Christmas weekend.

For Christmas Eve we had a picnic dinner with Sister Reid, an 80year old lady in our branch. In Sister Maude's family they have a "shepherd supper" and eat pita bread sandwiches and dates and almonds and grape juice on the floor with a blanket under the Christmas tree. Kind of an American version of what the shepherds might have eaten. (FYI: Finding Pita bread in Woodward was no easy task!) We had a lovely time and read the Christmas Story in the Book of Mormon with her.

Saturday we had a lovely time--we opened presents in the morning, had our typical study time (8-10am) and then baked Danish Pastries for several hours and then delivered them and caroled to lots of people in the branch. Then we went and had dinner with a wonderful family in our branch and played Apples to Apples. :)

Sunday was great and for our studies we sang Primary songs for about 30 minutes and planned how you could teach the Restoration, the plan of Salvation, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and all the commandments using Primary songs. We found songs for all of them, including the law of chastity (with a little twisting) but couldn't find any songs at all for fasting. I was shocked that that was the one thing we couldn't find a song for.

I guess I will end with my testimony. I know that Jesus is my Savior. I know that it is only through Him that I can be made free from sin and death. I know that reading about Him in the scriptures has given me great strength and has given me a lot of joy. I know that because Heavenly Father wants all of his children to know about Jesus he has called a prophet and apostles to lead us. I have had the wonderful privilege to feel of some of the Savior's love for the people I have taught and I am so grateful that I get the opportunity to serve as one of His servants. I am grateful for His birth and for His dedication for His choice to always choose the right way. I know that I want to learn all that I can from Him and His life.

Sister Lila Jenson